City Guide: Cienfuegos

Paseo del Prado

Regarded as the longest street on the island, the Paseo del Prado begins at the entrance to Cienfuegos, just a short stroll from the El Inglés river, and finishes in Punta Gorda at the southern end of the city. Take your time to wander along its radiant central walkway and absorb the rhyme of daily life in Cienfuegos while appreciating the contrast between the pastel-colored buildings and the gorgeous turquoise blue of the Caribbean sea. At its intersection with Avenue 54, you will encounter the life-size, bronze statue of Benny Moré. Grab your camera and steal a photo with one of Cuba’s most iconic musicians.

Palacio de Valle 

Constructed in 1917, el Palacio de Valle delivers an essence of southern Spain right to the heart of the Caribbean, thanks to its Moorish-inspired architecture that features deep-colored roof tiles, impressive turrets, and distinctive stucco walls. Originally home to a wealthy Cuban merchant, the palace is open to the public seven days per week and boasts one of Cienfuegos’ finest restaurants in addition to a roof terrace and bar.

Once you’ve explored the site and appreciated the intriguing Hispano-Moorish mosaics, take time to unwind in the palace’s lush garden surroundings and sample some of Cienfuegos’ finest seafood. The palace’s restaurant offers an extensive menu; however, we recommend local specialties such as Cuban ajiaco or tamale casserole. Ask the staff, and they will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.

Rancho Luna Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy Cuba’s rich marine biodiversity, Cienfuegos is the perfect choice for scuba diving and snorkeling. Less than 20km from the city, Rancho Luna beach is home to one of Latin America’s most extensive coral reefs. Visitors to the area can rent a boat from one of the many companies that line the shore, and within 20 minutes, explore depths of up to 30km and discover an abundance of exotic marine wildlife.

Guanaroca Lagoon

That said, if you’re more inclined to keep your feet dry, Guanaroca Lagoon, just a few kilometers from the beach, is a beautiful spot to witness the flight of Cuba’s gorgeous pink flamingos. Formed by the water from the Guanaroca river as it flows towards the Bay of Cienfuegos, the lagoon is part of 2km squared of protected natural habitat and home to pelicans, pink flamingos, and trogons; a colorful, insect-eating bird that is native to Cuba. Boat tours operate between 8am - 3pm; however, we recommend arriving early to give yourself the best chance of seeing the wildlife before it moves out of the sun and into the shade of surrounding trees and river plants.

El Nicho Park (and beyond)

To complete the Cienfuegos experience, take time to explore the natural wonders of El Nicho park, which lies less than one hour away from the city. Further to the east, you will discover the city of Trinidad, an iconic location that is a must-visit when traveling along Cuba’s south coast.

Located in Punta Gorda, Hotel Jagua is a 4-star hotel that boasts spectacular views of the bay of Cienfuegos and the Escambray mountains. Its spacious rooms, elegant pool villas, and modern architecture complete a privileged setting, offering guests the perfect spot where they can wind down after a long day exploring the city. At sunset, grab a cocktail and take a stroll down the hotel’s promenade and witness some of the most memorable sunsets in the Caribbean.

If you arrive at Havana’s international airport, you can easily make your way to Cienfuegos via the state transport agency Viazul which provides regular shuttles to the city for as little as 16USD. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, transport can also be arranged with the private taxis waiting outside the airport, although a good level of Spanish will be essential to ensure you get the right price.

Written by Lorena Sánchez.

Published October 2022.